Court rejects bid to stop Sh33b project

The Court has rejected efforts by an environment NGO to have construction of a multi-billion shilling dam in Kuresoi North Nakuru County stopped.

Kipsigis Council of Elders and Ecosystem Social Economic Development Organisation (ESEDO), had moved to court to have the multi-billion shilling dam stopped.

But Justice Sila Munyao in Nakuru declined to issue conservatory orders preventing the construction of Itare dam  until the hearing and determination of an application filed on September 15.

Kipsigis Council of Elders from Kericho and Bomet together with ESEDO had moved to court through their lawyers Gordon Ogolla and Kipkoech Ng’etich to seek orders to have the project stalled.

They claim that the government had failed to provide an environmental impact assessment project and that public participation was not conducted.

Consequently, they had sued Rift Valley Water Service Board, Cabinet Secretary Water and Irrigation Eugene Wamalwa and the Attorney General Githu Muigai.

Justice Munyao yesterday directed that the parties file their submissions and serve each other including the interested parties before November 24 when the matter will be mentioned in Kericho. The judge said he cou ld not issue conservatory orders as there was need to have the petition heard. Laywer Ogolla had pointed out that President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to launch the project this month.